Star OT Smith to miss Cowboys game
FRISCO — Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith will miss Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons because of back and groin injuries.
The Cowboys said Saturday that Smith and tight end Geoff Swaim were downgraded from questionable to out and didn’t make the trip to Atlanta. Swaim injured a knee in practice Thursday.
A four-time Pro Bowl selection who protects quarterback Dak Prescott’s blind side, Smith has been battling back issues since last season, when he missed three games.
The 26-year-old injured a groin in last weekend’s victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.
Chaz Green will make his sixth career start in Smith’s place. Green started the first three games this season at left guard before losing the job to Jonathan Cooper.
Swaim has been a seldom-used third tight end behind Jason Witten and James Hanna.
Battery charge for Chiefs’ Miller
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Roy Miller was arrested early in Florida on a domestic battery charge, according to Duval County jail records.
Miller was jailed shortly before 5 a.m. Saturday by the Jacksonville Sheriff ’s Office. The incident involved a minor injury, but no other details were available about the alleged battery.
Local news outlets reported that Miller was released on his own recognizance after an initial court appearance Saturday. Another hearing was set for Nov. 28.
The Chiefs, who are off this week, said in statement to the Associated Press that they were aware of the incident and gathering facts. They declined any further comment.
The 30-year-old Miller, who was drafted out of Texas by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, spent the past four seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Colts’ George fined for tackle
Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jeremiah George was fined for an illegal tackle during last Sunday’s 20-14 victory over the Texans at NRG Stadium.
George was fined $18,231 on Friday for a horse-collar tackle on Texans running back Lamar Miller.
He was flagged for unnecessary roughness.
Lions activate Decker off PUP
The Detroit Lions have activated tackle Taylor Decker from the physically-unable-to-perform list before Sunday’s game against Cleveland.
Decker has been out all season because of a shoulder injury .
Decker started every game for the Lions as a rookie last season after being drafted in the first round.
Detroit also announced Saturday that it has activated tackle Corey Robinson from injured reserve-designated for return. The Lions waived wide receiver Jace Billingsley.
Odds and ends
The New York Jets have promoted wide receiver-punt returner JoJo Natson from the practice squad. He’ll likely be active Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Jets also announced Saturday that they have waived/injured defensive lineman Ed Stinson and signed cornerback Michael Hunter to the practice squad. …
Miami Dolphins right tackle Ja’Wuan James has been placed on injured reserve because of a left hamstring injury, ending his season and a 25-game streak of consecutive starts. In addition, safety T.J. McDonald was activated from the reserve-suspended list and is expected to play for the Dolphins against the Carolina Panthers.